I am honored to have a special guest as our Featured Journal Keeper this month. I first heard of Lynn Morrissey when I found her words inscribed in an exquisite book which became one of my favorite journaling books ever written, “Love Letters To God :Deeper Intimacy through Written Prayer “. To my delight, my dear blogging friend and fellow journal keeper, Kel Rohlf– shared Lynn’s book and writing on her blog awhile back and I was thrilled to recognize the woman behind the words of the book that I had come to adore for the beautiful artwork, as well as the grace saturated prose that adorned the pages. Over time through comments and e-mail I have been blessed by this gracious journal keeper and gifted writer’s words. OK, seriously, I can only say that I have sat curled up on the couch with Lynn’s book and felt as if she absolutely was curled on the other side sharing her heart with me in person! Lynn is well known in the writing world but maintains a low profile as far as Social Media. She is a Certified Journal Facilitator, a dedicated wife, mother, and I just have to share this: a professional Bach singer! I hope that as you read and reflect on her words, written especially for us, that you are greatly encouraged and blessed in your own writing.

Lynn is giving away one copy of her book to one of YOU! I have a copy and treasure it. YOU will be blessed to own your own!

The best news is, if you have never participated in Random Journal Day before, you have a chance to join in with Lynn’s prompt if you’d like!

OK, actually the best news is , YOU could win this book in the Giveaway, but let’s not be so picky.

Enjoy the post, be sure and comment to enter the Giveaway, Link up your journal post, enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway.

Now, here’s Lynn!

A Leaf in Your History

“Each day in thy life is a leaf in thy history.” —Anonymous

“Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book!” —Job 19:23 (NASB)

Autumn, my favorite time of year, is fast approaching—that season when trees shed their leaf-lacy shawls just as quickly as you and I shed the leaves of our lives—our days—one by one.

There is beauty in the brilliant blaze of autumn … and also, piercing poignancy. It arrives and departs all too quickly. Would that we could contain its color, its glory, its patchwork palette much longer. Yet despite our desire, autumn’s leaves flame, then fall, then fade away.

And so do our days.

But I know a way to preserve each leaf in my history. When I put pen to paper, I trace each leaf, and I leave a trace. My days may fall and float away, but their essence never does, because my moments are preserved, permanently penned in my journals.

My penchant for “leaf collecting” began when my mother gave me a small, lined diary one Christmas. Bound in red leather and clasped with a gold lock, this tiny tome became the repository of my pubescent ponderings. Now, flipping through its mostly blank pages, sprinkled sparsely with the jots and tittles of teen-hood, I find nothing of substance or consequence. Alas, I was not a faithful diarist; but the seeds were planted.

Mother herself watered those seeds in later years by her example. She loves to write, and journaling became her creative outlet for personal expression, a way to capture her trials and triumphs as a wife, mother, daughter, and friend, and as a lover of music, art, and literature. Her journals are a refuge, a place to make her mark in what sometimes can be the invisibility of homemaking. As her stash of journals grew, Daddy used to tease her, referring to her beloved blank books as “Fern’s infernal journals.” But it didn’t deter her from writing in them.

And all along I was watching from a distance, noticing the pure pleasure Mother found in reveling in reflective writing, in the time she took to appreciate her moments, her days, the leaves of her life. I love even now that I can pick a day, any day, and Mother can tell me in detail what happened, how she felt, and what she learned. She can immediately harvest her history.

I didn’t begin writing my own history in earnest until I was a young woman. Unlike Mother, I began journaling as an act of desperation. At my job, a coworker began lying to my boss, bent on getting me fired. Each day, in an effort to escape the pressure and preserve my sanity, I went to a nearby restaurant for lunch. While waiting to be served, I began venting about my troubles, in writing, on the blank pages of my planner. As a new Christian, though completely tongue-tied when I tried to pray aloud, I soon discovered my voice by pouring out my heart on paper, in what I came to call my “love letters to God.” The more I wrote to Him, the more peace I felt, as I invoked His power and presence in this untenable work situation. Not only did God answer my prayers for relief when my coworker resigned, but He gave me an amazing gift: a method of writing that allowed my effortless communication with Him. It is a gift that has kept on giving to me for decades.

Remember that each day of your precious life is a gift, a lustrous leaf in your history, a leaf you don’t want to lose. Will your life’s tree be full with the lush leafage of autumn, or like the winter tree, a stripped skeleton standing starkly against a sunless sky? Each day you live, you will make history, whether or not you journal about it. But will you remember its incredible intricacies—its pain and pleasure, barrenness and bounty, grief and grace, routine and richness? Will you have ready access to all of this?

You will if you have been faithful to pick up your journal and pen, day by day. Then in the days to come, you will have every opportunity to retrieve and recall, to reflect and recalibrate, because you will have left a tangible trace, a treasured testament of your life lived in the presence of God. And that will make all the difference.

Your invitation: On a blank journal page, draw a stick-figure tree with large leaves. On each leaf, write a one-word reminder of what happened yesterday or today. Then write to God about one leaf and your reaction to what occurred, how it affected your life, and how you learned from it. End by praising God for your life and the ability to record it, to inscribe it in your own personal history book, where it mingles meaningfully with the greater scope of His story.

The comment box: Please share what this post evoked for you, or share what you journaled in response to the invitation, above. Are you a regular journal-keeper? How has this practice changed your life? How has journaling drawn you closer to God?

*Please forgive me- in all of the busy-ness and excitement of RJD and our guest I forgot to share her Bio! Please forgive me and here it is:

Lynn D. Morrisseypossesses the rare ability to probe beneath the surface, striking the heart of a subject, while sharing transparently from her own heart. She is passionate about journaling, through which God healed her of suicidal depression, alcoholism, and guilt from an abortion. She empathizes greatly with those who endure pain. A poetic word stylist, Lynn sculpts beautiful language with her pen, and is the author of Love Letters to God: Deeper Intimacy through Written Prayer and other books, contributor to numerous bestsellers, a Certified Journal Facilitator (CJF) for her ministry, Heartsight Journaling, AWSA speaker, and professional soloist. She lives with her husband Michael and college-age daughter Sheridan in St. Louis, Missouri. Contact: words@brick.net

*You can check out Love Letters to God: Deeper Intimacy Through Written Prayer available wherever books are sold- and of course right here on Amazon!

Published by enthusiasticallydawn

Dawn Paoletta is a life enthusiast who loves to juggle words, chug coffee, and journal excessively. You can find her gathering stones on the beach most mornings. She enjoys hanging out with her hubby, daughter and family pets in Narragansett, RI and shares her passion, poetry and prose @Enthusiastically, Dawn.
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78 thoughts on “Random Journal Day #44 with Lynn D. Morrissey and a Giveaway”

Dawn,
What a joy to be heading for bed (with one last check of my email–ok, I’m hopeless), and to see your email regarding my very own post. 🙂 First, I am totally humbled and bowled over by your most gracious introduction. Truly, you are so generous to bestow these incredible accolades (I don’t recognize myself!!)–but, moreover, for your generosity in sharing space on your blog and giving me a quiet corner to share my heart. As well you know, journaling is my passion, and I’m delighted to share it with anyone who will read and listen. The reason? God has absolutely used journaling (especially written prayer) to transform my life. I found it nearly impossible to pray orally or silently. But when I randomly (to use your word) picked up my pen one day during a crisis situation, everything changed. Words flooded the pages of my planner (what I initially used as my journal). Somehow God used my pen to siphon what was deep in my heart and draw it forth. I have been journaling ever since. I have countless journals which attest to God’s faithfulness in my life. Love Letters to God: Deeper Intimacy through Written Prayer is a gorgeous gift book–I say that, because the artwork of watercolorist, Katia Andreeva, is breathtaking. But I would stress to your readers that this is not a fluffly gift book. I bare my soul in a series of essays, each one about a specific time that God used journaling to change my life and draw me close in intimacy with Him. He’s healed me from suicidal depression, alcoholism, and abortion guilt–to name some. Journaling has been my lifeline to God for hope and healing. But God has also used it as a way for me to record His blessings and my praise to Him. I can’t wait to give away a copy to one of your readers and also to hear about their own journaling journeys here. And may I just say how much I have appreciated reading on your blog about your own journaling journey. You are doing such sacred work here. I marvel at how the Lord has connected us. My book was published awhile back, so imagine my amazement to discover that you had a copy! And isn’t it just like God to have connected us via another journaling aficionado and mutual dear (and talented!) friend, Kel Rohlf! God is surely the Divine Networker, and how I thank Him for introducing us! God bless you, Dawn, and may He bring you great joy as you write your love letters to Him! I know He will!
Love
Lynn

Lynn,
Oh my word, truly I am sorry I missed this exciting first day of having you here on the blog! As you know it has been planned for awhile and I was like a kid waiting for Christmas as I so looked forward to sharing you with my friends here who so love God and writing! Everything is better now after that “close call” and visit to the ER yesterday. Thank you for prayers. I updated to include that lovely Bio. We went back and forth so often it may have been deleted when I cleaned my e-mail. Who knows? I think sometimes when I read your writing it feels so beautifully articulated, even with those difficult things you share there is great beauty that pours forth from your heart and pen. That is what I so love about this book. It is beautiful, yet raw, authentically revealing, healing and when I read your words, I laughed, cried and so resonated…I remember being curled up in an afghan and it was as if you and Jesus were right there! I pray many more would be blessed by your words and I would so love to see you share in person. And of course I know we all would love to see you have a blog. But, I do respect your desire for balance and think you model a beautiful writing life apart from all of the hub bub and SM. I know you will follow God’s lead whatever you do and I appreciate that about you! May your words continue to inspire many hearts closer to Him! Love and hugs!

Actually, the funny thing about that, Dawn, is that my mother told me years later that my grandfather had said that about Daddy’s voice! =] Oh, I you could have only heard his voice. My father had a gift like no other–a gorgeous voice of velvet steel–so rich, resonant, and powerful. He could have sung opera, had he had the proper training, but sadly, his parents couldn’t afford it. My favorite thing was to sing with him. How I miss that, and HIM!

Thank you for stopping by to read Lynn’s words, Jennifer! Nice to see your face here. You are on my reading list as well…Love Idol- but I have been slacking with my reading the last few weeks. Hopefully Fall will see me curled up with a few good books! 😉

You are so dear to drop by, Jennifer. Thank you! I read about your beautiful history at your blog, and what a legacy you are leaving for those girls–yes, by example, but also you give it permanency through writing! Give them my love, please!

Lynn, your rich words evoke tears as I recall the “pain and pleasure, barrenness and bounty, grief and grace, routine and richness” written between the pages of my journals. I see, written across every page the faithfulness of my Father. I see forgiveness and healing from deep wounds and I see the Ebenezer stones rising up to mark the places of growth in my journey. The way I pray too, is by writing my heart cries to the Lord and listening for and recording His answers. I love the way it brings a concreteness to my faith walk. I also loved your post because my birthday is in September and your words about the brilliant blaze of autumn and the preserving of leaves and how they blaze, fall, then fade away makes me see how fleeting my life is and how truly I want my life to make a difference in His kingdom. And I unabashedly say I sure do hope I win a copy of your book!! Thank you, Dawn for sharing such a treasure as the Lord has made in Lynn.

And I must say, Jeannie, that *your* words bring tears to my eyes! Journaling people really *get* each other, and I feel so humbled that anything I have said here resonates. Thank you for your sweet words. Yes, yes, yes! … to all you have said. That’s the beauty of journailng…..you record God’s faithfulness. That is the biggest gift, I think, especially during times of darkness, when we don’t think He is there. As we re-read our journals and how He has answered prayers and led us, then we have tangible proof in our own lives of how He has never abandoned us. And, of course, you point out so many other benefits as well! May I wish you a joyous September birthday. Remember, you are allowed to celebrate *at least* a month (lady’s prerogative). And you ARE making a difference. You have in m y life today! And, btw, you are a really gifted writer!

Jeannie, Happy Birthday, and your words bless as well , even in response to Lynn’s writing. You both are such beautiful word seamstresses! I have been blessed by your beautiful book and blog writing as well. You are making a difference in His Kingdom, my friend! Thanks for your words and visit today!

I am so happy to “meet” you here Lynn! Journaling has been a very important part of my life for as long as I can recall. Talking to God on paper often moved me from depression or confusion to understanding as I spilled my heart on the page. The act of writing it out helped me see truth in so many ways. I also love that I have historically correct facts about every season of my life at my finger tips! Haha! So helpful for a writer!
Susie

And very happy to meet you, too, Susie! Oh…..I could write the book on depression, and I mention that in Love Letters to God. God has really helped me to find joy first and foremost in His Word, but also when I journal to Him. Yes, He clarifies things to us when we write, and also we begin to record His many blessings–a great source of joy. And you bring up another great point. A journal is a great training ground for the writer. You can go back and write about your life later, but your words will not have the vibrancy and immediacy of capturing “events” as they occur. In my book, I share several prayers straight out of my journal, completely unedited. I could never have done that years later. Thanks for sharing! I love all you say.
Blessings,
Lynn

Lynn, this is one of the most exquisite posts I’ve ever read by you. Autumn has been my favorite season from childhood – only it used to be ‘dreamt of from afar’ because the area where I grew up did not have the lush and vibrant fall colors I envisioned in books or watched starry eyed in movies. Now I drink in those “Anne of Green Gables” colors every year… draining pleasure from them to the last drop! Oh that this season was twice the length! Love your comparison of our lives to the leaves. What treasure to have those writings from your mom! It is a wonder to ponder how God holds the stories of our lives in minute detail, nothing lost in His book… and you inspire to capture those memories on paper! This post is an example of why I think you need to begin your own blog! Oh, and to all of Dawn’s readers, especially the winner of this giveaway… I have Lynn’s beautiful book, and you will love it!

Hi Pam! So nice to see you here! I so agree- Lynn’s words for this guest post (as most of her writing does ) are exquisite. Thanks for coming by for and joining in the conversation. And I wish she would start a blog , too! Then she could host a journaling journey there… well, no pressure Lynn, we just love you and your heart for HIm shared in words!

Well, Pam, where do I start? Your words touch me so much on so many levels. Thank you for your kind words about my writing, and the potentiality of a blog (still praying about that). But coming from an author of your lyricism, sensitivty, and depth, that means so much. I encourage Dawn’s readers to read your words athttp://wordglow.wordpress.com/2014/09/07/wordsingers-are-we/
Yes, autumn is my favorite season, too, and I always lament that it isn’t long enough. To be it is a metaphor for living vibrantly and colorfully–especially as one grows older. I want to go out in a brilliant flame–draining every last drop of color in a life lived gloriously for Christ. Thank you also for mentioning Mother. Her journals, to me, are her greatest legacy…..obviously beyond the loving, caring, and humble way she lives her life. Thank you so much for your encouraging (as always!) words here.
Love
Lynni

I love the way God just weaves and blends in this world… This showed up on my FB page in a wonderful group that has started for women over 50… You know my heart for jounaling… I love the quote … Pens have eyes… Lynn… You were such a dear encouragement to me as I trembling stepped into the blog world… And you shared your dear book with me and cheered me on… It is so fun to see you pop up here… Continued blessing to you dear friend!!!

Ro, I am curious about a 50’s group. Sadly I am too young to join in since I am still 39. But someday. LOL! Seriously, can you share that or is it invite only? And it is kind of cool how God does weave people and events, and circumstances. Beyond our finite ability to grasp! But so good!

Lynn! This is such an inspirational and beautifully-crafted post. And it reminds me of when I first met you at a journaling workshop at church. Your words, back then, flamed my desire to write. I am a big fan of your work and would love to subscribe to your future blog! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your gift here, friend!

Karen, I was so humbled that you stopped by and took time to read. Thank you. Please forgive me, but I didn’t remember you from that workshop. It was many years ago, as I recall, maybe even before I wrote my journaling book. I can’t recall. If the Lord use any mere words that I shared at that workshop to inspire your own writing, I am overjoyed and so humbled. You write beautifully and powerfully, and God is using your words for blessing. When I went up to you at church at the Women’s Reunion, I realized you seemed to know me, and I was so surprised. I can’t wait to talk to you about your blog! I hope readers will read it:http://stoopingformanna.blogspot.com/ I notice that this post revolves around 5-minute Friday. If readers are unfamiliar, it’s a great way to say a lot in a small space of time. When I teach journaling, one thing we do is either a 2 or 5-minute “sprint.” Prolific souls like me balk at first, wanting more time and space for reflection. But once you commit to that short timeframe, it truly is amazing how much can be said. The focus is tremendously clarifying.
Love
Lynn

Well, Ro, you are a sight for sore eyes! =] what a delight and surprise to see you here! And you must come back, because Dawn is passionate bout journaling, and always has something fascinating to say about it, and she’s a good author. Of course, it was you who was so encouraging to me about blogging (though obviously I am not a blogger), but I have always so appreciated your kindness. I LOVED your blog, and hope someday (in God’s timing) you will go back to it. And I love this quote: Pens have eyes! That’s wonderful and so true. I hope our Divine Networker crosses our pahts many more times!
Love
Lynn

Thank you, Lynn, for this lovely and poetic post. I’m an off-and-on journaler of late, probably because so much of my life has landed in my books. But I love the encouragement you and your mother have passed on to each other and to those who love you both.

Karen, I so appreciate you and your passion for writing. Your prolificness truly staggers me. And I remember early on your commitment to journaling and your encouraging me to pursue it. Remember that Mark Virkler book? I’d recommend his works (and yours, of course!) to any reader. BTW, you’d lover mother! I hope you two can meet someday. Thank you so much for taking time to comment (and keep up your vocal journaling too on those long hikes in God’s country)!
Love
Lynni (H!)

Dawn, please do check out Karen O’Connor’s work. She is wonderful. This is my favorite of here: Basket of Blessings: 31 Days to a More Grateful Heart, and also Squeeze the Moment. Karen has written many books, and right now many are humorous and geared towards senior citizens. Karen is one of the most beautiful, intelligent, and vibrant women I know!

Beautiful thoughts of wisdom, sister. You know how much I appreciated your book, (not to mention my mom as well!) and your amazing words of encouragement and hope. You have the gift to inspire everyone in your sphere of influence to pick up a pen and paper and pour out our hearts to our Father. Blessings to you and yours, Lynn. It’s wonderful to get to read your words again!

Floyd, thank you so much for your kind response. I can’t tell you how much your words of encouragement always bolster me! And it is, frankly, always a delight when I meet a gentleman who enjoys the book. While I think it is geared more to women, in the end, anyone can pick up his pen and pour out his heart to the Lord, as I know you do. Everyone benefits greatly from journaling. I know your mother would be proud of you. Your blog is one of the best at heregoi!!

Hi Lynni! So glad to find you here. I am going to take some time with your journal prompt because as a student of your personal journaling classes, I have been moved and blessed as God reveals and heals so much in me when I put pen to paper, especially at your leadership. I love your book too and have a copy of my own. So please safe your giveaway copy for someone who hasn’t yet had the opportunity to be awakened and moved to pick up their pen for deeper prayer and conversation with God as you have encouraged us to with your words. Sharing your love of writing to God has stirred a whole new world in my heart. Love you Lynni! And thanks for hosting Lynni here Dawn! ❤

I am so jealous, Kelly! Love seeing the beautiful influence of Lynn in your life and the lives of many. Thanks for coming by and I am so honored and tickled to have Lynn here. I am considering doing a follow up post to her beautiful prompt…or at least a journal entry.

Kelly Ann (Merry Ann!! 🙂 ),
I always love seeing your winsome smile. Thank you for dropping by Dawn’s neck of the woods. I always love what she shares (and adore your blog as well). And thank YOU for such generous words. I’m so touched. You are my star pupil, and I still marvel at the collage journal piece you did, and also the “write” you composed to accompany it. God really revealed some deep truths to you when you picked up your pen! Doesn’t He always? I love that idea of a whole new world! There will be more, Kelly,with each and every journal you complete.
Traveling with you, sister, heart to heart. Love you too!
Lynni

Mom, it was a beautiful post! I loved your metaphor of the autumn leaves and tracing them in your journal! Thank you for the journals you’ve given me to be able to write my prayers to the Lord!
I love you!

I love you too so much, Budgie (your sweet little baby nickname)! What a joy and delight to find you here, especially since you rarely post on the Internet. You are the joy and light of my life, and God used journaling when I was expecting you to help me to sort out my conflicted feelings about motherhood and then to use it as a springboard for expressing all my thanksgiving and joy to Him for giving me such a beautiful and precious daughter! I can hardly believe that you just celebrated your twenty-secondth birthday! Where *has* the time flown?! And I can’t tell you how much joy it has given me to watch you, morning by morning, sitting out on the back porch under a ceiling fan, just beyond me at the kitchen table with my Bible and journal, as you, yourself, sit reading God’s Word and journaling! You are carrying on this important spiritual discipline and tradition (and lifeline to God), which your grandmother, Fern, modeled for me. And I know that each and every time you pick up your pen, your are firmly sealing the truths God has laid on your heart *in ink,* permanently, where you can go back years from now and see the truths God taught you as a young woman, truths that will hold fast for your entire life! It’s my prayer that you will never stop seeking Him, responding to Him in writing and in life, always loving, praising, and obeying Him. I love you so much!!!!!!!!!
xxoo
Mama

It is said confession is good for the soul. I confess I have tried journalling and I never seem to get the hang of it. Doing it daily doesn’t always fit into the scheme of my to do’s, but not doing it daily seems to beg losing one of those leaves of history. The way you talk about journalling — your love letters to God — makes greater sense to me. In writing my memoir, I have actually written letters to my now deceased mother about her abuses. Finding that child’s voice has been so healing and reparative. Perhaps writing letters to God would also bring a peace I long for in certain family relationships and troublesome issues with two of our three adult children. Maybe I won’t give up the idea of a journal after all. One more try or two or three. We’ll see.

Dawn, thanks for hosting Lynn, and Lynn, thank you for what may be a life altering post for me. But first I need to win that book!

Sherrey, I really hear your angst here. First, may I gently suggest that you not add journaling as a “to do.” I think that without your realizing it, it could set up journaling as a kind of must-do duty. I long for you to see it as your delight–as a way to write conversationally with the Lord, as a unique means of intimate communion and just spending time with Him. The reason I began framing my prayers as “love letters to God,” not just because I love Him and loved that concept, is because I had difficulty concentrating in oral prayer, and also had difficulty in emulating the flowery and fluent prayers of pastors and friends. So first, writing a letter to God helped me to concentrate. Second, as I wrote in my own words about my real-life situtions, it freed me to express myself naturally. Also, I stress to people that when you really love someone, these letters would express love, yes, but they would express absolutely everything (good or bad) that you are feeling. True love expresses all things; and true love accepts them. When I even express my sins, I know that God cares deeply about my struggle, welcomes my confession, and then He forgive me and sets me free. And certainly as you talk openly to Him in writing about difficult relationsihps, you will find that you can unburden your soul, and that God is listening to and directing your prayers. He will guide you. When you pick up your pen, I believe that you will find amazing cathartic release, as likely you did when you wrote unsent letters to your mother. I can’t tell you why it is, but only *that* it is. There i s something about the writing process itself that God uses to help set you free. But I also suspect that when you come to Him in your journal (which doesn’t necessarily have to be daily) that God will so bless this time that you will long for more and more of it. That is my prayer for you.
May God bless you abundantly as you restart your journaling journey with Him!
Love
Lynn

Lynni- What a joy to read your words here at RJD with Dawn and all the others! I loved the imagery of fall leaves as metaphor for collecting the leaves of our lives in the pages of a journal. I could feel the leaves falling from the tree and I wanted to go write in my journal…I hope to do the prompt this afternoon and post some reflections at nourishment for the soul later today or early next week. Many leaves are falling in my life right now, and I haven’t had much time to rake them in and collect them in my journal. You inspire me and I hope you host a new journaling intensive soon…I need one! Love-Kel

And, Kel, it goes without saying that it is a joy to see *your* words here and your beautiful, beaming face. oh….if this little post inspires you, I’m so grateful. I love every leaf you’ve raked and pinned in your journal……and likely you literally have some leaves in there in the beautiful art journals you create as well. Please let us know when those posts are ready. I’ll be first in line to read them. And I keep dreaming about our doing an intensive together….. ah, in the mountains!

This reminded me of so many memories-I have journaled almost all my life and this has turned into sharing my heart more openly in my blog. I love the concept of leaves and imprinting our day on the leaves with our story-our words. So blessed to have popped over from The Weekend Brew today. Happy Sunday! Mary

Hello, Mary!
I love all the wonderful friends of Dawn whom I’m meeting at her special, inspiring corner of the blogosphere. So nice to make your acquaintance too! You site a really interesting and important point for writers (and those who are really writers and don’t even know it yet! 🙂 ). The journal is an exceptional training ground for the writer, because it permits you to capture your life in a net of words before its exact essence evaporates. Life is ephemeral, but writing allows you to pin it down and to be able to examine it. Blogging, it seems to me (though I don’t do it) flows naturally from journaling, and is simply opening up your journal for public pondering. I applaud you in so doing! Let’s go leaf-hunting, story-imprinting, shall we?
Love
Lynn

I wish that I had been more consistent in my journal writing throughout the years. I started out strong and then got out of the habit when I was too busy. Now my journaling is mostly done on my blog. But you have inspired me to make a new effort, even if it is just a “leaf” on the tree each day. That is a great way to get started again. Thank you for this word image in my mind. That is a big help. This was a great post. Thank you again.

Oh thank you so very much for these h eartfelt and encouraging words! This is one thing I love about blogging comments. I feel generally as if I am writing in a cave. So it is a joy to see that words make a difference, and I”m so glad that the word-picture of the leaf is helpful to you. I really hear a little regret in your voice, and I just want you to know that I completely understand. While I have countless journals, if I were to imply to you that there have not been times of drought in my journaling or that my leaves didn’t crumble and deteriorate, it would be a lie. If I might be so bold, I think Satan loves nothing better than to distract us and then to discourage us for the distraction. But God makes all things new, and in my own life (I am saying this about me not you w/ re: to journaling…..iow, I’m not preaching at you!)…..He has made up for locust years and invites me to pick up my pen–just where I am. One thing that has helped me when I have gotten away from this precious form of communication, is to go back and re-read “old” journals. I can’t tell you how incredibly God has used my own words to woo me back…..or else has let me read of His past faithfulness to me as a means of promising present victory. And sometimes we think we need to wax long for journaling to “count.” But you have already seen the benefit here of just picking up one leaf, turning it over in your palm, and noting what you see and learn. Before you know it, Pamela, those leaves will accumulate and you will have constructed a whole colorful tree . . . the lush leafage of your life!

Yes, Christin, exactly. When we journal our history with God (His Story!), we see His victories, and this gives us confidence to expect more. Truly, seeing His faithfulness (in black and white) helps us to shed fear.
I love you, too!
Lynni

Lynn I thoroughly enjoyed “A leaf in your history” I have drawn my tree with leaves and words already and will be journaling my feels to them soon. I loved how you shared of your mother’s writing and she inspired you. God is so good to us with mothers who encourage sometimes when you are young you don’t see it but as you develop a relationship with God and open our heart to him you see how He has put people in your to sustain you and show you so many beautiful ways to live life. Journaling to God has given me so much peace and understanding. Thank you for sharing

Hi Juanita!
I’m so thrilled that you dropped by and that this metaphor resonates with you. I would love to be a little branch peeking over your shoulder to see what leaves of life you are examining. You could pick just one leaf, as I’d suggested, or even write about a leaf a day. You could even make a large tree representing a whole year, and then draw one leaf per month of the most significant event of that month, and then write about each one. You could even name your tree (for the year), based on a theme you see rooted there. Wow! Isn’t this fun? I hadn’t intended to write all that, but as you say, God puts people in your path to sustain you and show you beauty. You’ve done that for me here. And thank you so much for commenting about my mother! She has strongly influenced my life in sooooo many ways–especially with re: to the Lord and writing.

Again, my thanks for stopping by. I hope you will read Dawn’s and Kel’s blogs, because they often share about journaling! And I think that Dawn’s “planner discussion” (her post today, 9/8) will also be really interesting!
Fondly,
Lynn

Hi Dawn…i received your sweet gift of “31 days of praise”- thank you! And i just had to stop by to say “hello” to Lynn too…thanks for all your encouraging words, here and in comments elsewhere. i’ve found journaling to be beneficial during difficult times for me. i don’t write a journal regularly (poetry blog is my journal of sorts) but i would love to read your book, Lynn…from “the other” lynndiane 🙂

Oh poetry comes out in my journal too, Lynn! So glad you got the Praise card! And thanks for joining in the conversation. I write poetry a lot because I struggle with words often…or expressing my feelings.

Hello Lynn Diane,
Of course, I absolutely remember you–my namesake! Ha! Actually, I presume Diane is your middle name, right? One never knows about last names that seem like first! =] Just checking to be sure.

I love what you have shared about your poetry, because absolutely it is a form of journaling your thoughts, just in a smaller container. In fact, I can’t tell you how healing it was to write poetry when Daddy died. For the first time in ages, journaling overwhelmed me at that time. I thought I would get lost in cavernous blank pages. But when I penned a poem, I was able to economize my grief, with piercingly precise and poignant words. I lanced the wound with a clearner cut. The open-endedness of journaling (while often a means of cathartic expression fo rme) would have overwhelmed me at that time. I’m so glad you are a poet…….and a journal keeper! Yes, journaling can help in difficult times, but so can poetry if you feel like you are drowning in difficulty. And don;t forget to journal in times of joy and when God answers prayers. This form of journaling will be such an encouragement in those difficult times!

Lynn, I think that is a great way to define poetry- in a container. It feels so safe when I write poetry through difficult times., when words are hard to find. I have a lot of poetic groaning in my journal from earlier this year…and it was a healing vehicle to have a place to pour out the pain in poetry and IN my journal. Most are unshared at the moment. But their value to me is priceless! Your mother sounds like a true gem. How blessed you are and were in your parents!LOve and thanks- 1 day/14hours before the winner will be chosen!

Dawn, I’m so glad that you have discovered writing poetry as a means of expressing pain and experiencing healing. What is there about it? Yes….a smaller container, as I’ve said, so you are not overwhelmed with the difficulty, but I also think that in poetry you choose your words more precisesly which relate more closely to what you are experiencing. And there is something about the poetic words that have a rhythm all their own, and rise up to carry your thoughts in a flowing stream. God uses the stream like a balm for healing. The poem I wrote when my father died was one of the most significant poems I had ever written in terms of healing. Then, about six months after his passing, on what would have been his eightieth birthday, I wrote another poem in his memory that had that same healing effect. You are wise to keep your poems just for you in your journal as a way to experience cathartic expression and personal healing. Then, if and when you are ready, you can share them with the world. But there are sometimes feelings and thoughts that are meant for you and God alone–a secret between the two of you.

I’m excited about the give-away, and it will be my pleasure to send my autographed book to someone who has engaged in this dialogue! Thank you again for this honored opportunity!
Love
Lynn

Oh my goodness. This is absolutely beautiful. I got lost in the poetry of your words, dear Lynn, and this is a piece I want to save and re-read.

And I love the reminder of how you quietly watched your mom from a distance–how we are so often silent examples and seed-bearers. I had to laugh at “Fern’s infernal journals.” What a beautiful harvest of history right here.

Sandy, this from you? I can’t tell you how touched I am. Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so grateful. Yes, . . . watching mother from afar . . . (well, up close, mostly 🙂 ). She is such an inspiration to me in so many ways. She has inspired my living, my writing, my love for poetry and literature, my playing piano (and from that my singing–though Daddy was the singer), and mostly, my love for Jesus. You’d love her. And I know I would have loved your mother. I know she had to be so proud of you. I hope that she was able to read your own poetry and lyrical prose. I can’t imagine how very much you miss her. I know she is as close as your breathing–a continual inspiration to you.

Thank you again so much for taking time to read and comment.

Oh. . . . and those infernal journals? Just yesterday, Mother and I were literally talking about Daddy’s little “handle” for them, and it gave us a good laugh. He used to also kid her that she spent more time writing about her life than living it! I think we need some of both.
Bless you, dear one.
Lynn

I love this metaphor of the leaf, Lynn. As always, the images you use capture my heart. Thank you for this encouragement to journal more. I’ve been scribbling a little on the mornings I’m off work and on the days I do work I try to do some reflecting in the evenings. It helps me gather my thoughts, draw closer to God. xo